China has achieved a remarkable milestone in aerospace technology by successfully completing the maiden flight of an ultra-lightweight miniature jet engine entirely manufactured using 3D printing.
Developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), the groundbreaking engine took to the skies on Tuesday in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, reaching an altitude of 4,000 meters.
This innovative turbojet engine, falling into the 160-kilogram thrust class, is China’s first to be fully developed using multi-disciplinary topology optimization and additive manufacturing techniques.
According to AECC, the successful flight test not only demonstrates the engine’s operational reliability and stability under real flight conditions but also signifies a major advance in China’s aviation capabilities.
This achievement fills a crucial domestic gap in the application of advanced design methodologies integrated with 3D printing technology, setting a solid foundation for future research and development in advanced aviation engines.
Prior to its flight, the engine underwent rigorous ground-based tests to validate its performance targets and service life, ensuring it was ready for the skies.
AECC stated that this successful inaugural flight paves the way for new advancements in China’s aerospace industry, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to innovation and technological progress.
